Europe news is closely watching Doha as heads of state and senior officials from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East arrive in Qatar to pay tribute to Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the country’s former emir. The high-level condolences underline the global influence of the late ruler, widely credited with reshaping Qatar into a major diplomatic, economic and cultural force.
Sheikh Hamad died on Sunday at the age of 74, prompting a four-day national mourning period in Qatar. Leaders have been meeting Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Lusail Palace, where condolences have continued to pour in from across the world.
Europe news: International leaders pay respects in Doha
Among the first European leaders to arrive was Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who met Sheikh Tamim to express sympathy on behalf of Italy. Swiss Vice President Ignazio Cassis also travelled to Lusail Palace during the mourning period.
The gathering in Doha has extended well beyond Europe. Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev praised Sheikh Hamad as an outstanding statesman whose leadership helped transform Qatar’s international standing.
Regional leaders were also present, including:
- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
- Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa
- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun
- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam
- Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch
- Rwandan President Paul Kagame
Kagame described the late emir as a visionary whose commitment to cooperation and national development would leave a lasting legacy.
Sheikh Hamad’s legacy in modern Qatar
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he handed power to his son in a rare peaceful transfer of leadership in the Gulf. During his reign, Qatar expanded its global footprint dramatically.
He is often regarded as the architect of modern Qatar for several reasons:
- He accelerated economic growth through the expansion of liquefied natural gas production.
- He strengthened Qatar’s role as a regional and international mediator.
- He backed major cultural and infrastructure development.
- He helped position Qatar to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
These achievements turned the small Gulf state into a globally recognised player, which explains why so many world leaders have travelled to Doha in person.
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FIFA President joins mourners
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also among those offering condolences at Lusail Palace. In a public tribute, he said Sheikh Hamad was the man who shaped Qatar into a great nation and praised his willingness to embrace change.
Infantino has long maintained close ties with Qatar, especially following the country’s hosting of the World Cup. His presence added another international dimension to the mourning, highlighting Sheikh Hamad’s impact beyond politics and diplomacy.
Why this matters beyond Qatar
This story has relevance across irish news, ireland news and wider European foreign affairs coverage because it reflects Qatar’s strategic role in global energy, diplomacy and regional stability. As Europe continues to monitor relations in the Gulf, the death of such a significant figure is more than a ceremonial event—it is a moment that draws attention to the legacy of leadership in one of the world’s most influential gas-producing nations.
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What happens next
Qatar’s mourning period is expected to continue drawing dignitaries and tributes from around the world. While Sheikh Tamim remains firmly in power, this moment offers a reminder of how deeply Sheikh Hamad shaped the modern identity of the state.
For readers following Europe news, the scenes in Doha show the breadth of Sheikh Hamad’s international influence. His legacy lives on not only in Qatar’s skyline and economy, but also in the country’s elevated place on the world stage.
